Apparently, the only reason that the skeleton is complete is that he wasn`t cannibalised when he died! Although the cause of his death is not certain, he apparently met a violent end as there is a large hole in his skull consistent with being bashed over the head! The place where the bones were unearthed in Gough`s cave in 1903 is now known as "Skeleton Pit." The site can be seen when you visit the caves.

THE 'CHEDDAR MAN'

Scattered around the same cave were the butchered remains of three adult humans and two children, all were from the same period. Marks found on the bones indicate that the flesh was scraped or cut off with sharp instruments.
This is thought to be strong evidence of cannibalism.

At the start of the 19th. century a most incredible discovery was made at the Cheddar Gorge caves. It became known as Cheddar Man and was a complete human skeleton. It was soon realised that the bones were extremely old. Scientists were able to estimate that he had lived around 7150 years before Christ was born. The bones found in Cheddar Gorge were therefore over 9000 years old!